Chromed and nickel plated values

Jasta2 · 12-27-2013, 11:06 PM

I don't know why, but I am attracted to chromed Lugers. My problem is as to their values. I know they have not real collectors value outside of someone collecting these refinished Lugers. Most chromed Lugers I found have asking prices of around $700 to $1,000 all matching numbers. Yet I read many stories of these Lugers selling for $500 or less. I know the condition of the plating would be reflected in the pricing. Any thoughts? In the end I guess it boils down to what I am willing to pay.
Thanks, Bill
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a happy New year to come.

sheepherder · 12-27-2013, 11:23 PM

I view/value nickel plated Lugers the same as 'shooters'. If the plating is done with the minimum of buffing, no rounded edges, no blurry letters/numbers, then yes $700 - $1000. If a tastefully done set of grips (Ivory or cream colored without checkering), then maybe a couple hundred more...If they fit correctly...

...Just my $.02...

(I would pass on any chromed Lugers).

Edward Tinker · 12-27-2013, 11:26 PM

I have paid $450-$550 for a nickle or chromed luger - but have not seen one for a while, so I would guess that $600+ is more normal...

Zorba · 12-27-2013, 11:28 PM

Gotta be gold!

Maestro · 12-29-2013, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasta2

I don't know why, but I am attracted to chromed Lugers. My problem is as to their values. I know they have not real collectors value outside of someone collecting these refinished Lugers......

I think they're actually pretty cool GI trophies!! In case you decide to venture outside of lugers, here's a Nambu

Sergio Natali · 12-30-2013, 05:58 AM

Bill,

Honestly I would pass on any chromed Luger too, but after all it's just a matter of personal preferences, probably many of them were just nice war trophies/souvenirs that GI took home, and as far as value in USD it's still a matter of liking.
IMHO

Stucki · 12-30-2013, 08:24 AM

from my point of view there is a difference between a commercial and military or police Luger. For a military or police Luger chrome or nickel can never be appropriate. However if a previous owner, may be 80 or 90 years ago, led his Luger became nickel plated, then that's a part of its history as a commercial handgun.

Alexander

12-27-2013, 11:06 PM	#1
Jasta2 User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lakeland, Fl. Posts: 514 Thanks: 349 Thanked 101 Times in 52 Posts	Chromed and nickel plated values I don't know why, but I am attracted to chromed Lugers. My problem is as to their values. I know they have not real collectors value outside of someone collecting these refinished Lugers. Most chromed Lugers I found have asking prices of around $700 to $1,000 all matching numbers. Yet I read many stories of these Lugers selling for $500 or less. I know the condition of the plating would be reflected in the pricing. Any thoughts? In the end I guess it boils down to what I am willing to pay. Thanks, Bill Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a happy New year to come.

12-27-2013, 11:23 PM	#2
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,182 Thanks: 1,398 Thanked 4,440 Times in 2,328 Posts	I view/value nickel plated Lugers the same as 'shooters'. If the plating is done with the minimum of buffing, no rounded edges, no blurry letters/numbers, then yes $700 - $1000. If a tastefully done set of grips (Ivory or cream colored without checkering), then maybe a couple hundred more...If they fit correctly... ...Just my $.02... (I would pass on any chromed Lugers). __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

12-30-2013, 05:58 AM	#6
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Bill, Honestly I would pass on any chromed Luger too, but after all it's just a matter of personal preferences, probably many of them were just nice war trophies/souvenirs that GI took home, and as far as value in USD it's still a matter of liking. IMHO __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

12-27-2013, 11:26 PM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,915 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,506 Times in 2,080 Posts	I have paid $450-$550 for a nickle or chromed luger - but have not seen one for a while, so I would guess that $600+ is more normal...

12-27-2013, 11:28 PM	#4
Zorba User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Merritt Island, Fl Posts: 951 Thanks: 776 Thanked 526 Times in 289 Posts	Gotta be gold!

12-30-2013, 08:24 AM	#7
Stucki User Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 83 Thanks: 1 Thanked 129 Times in 33 Posts	from my point of view there is a difference between a commercial and military or police Luger. For a military or police Luger chrome or nickel can never be appropriate. However if a previous owner, may be 80 or 90 years ago, led his Luger became nickel plated, then that's a part of its history as a commercial handgun. Alexander